4 things to know about North Central Avenue construction in Marshfield

Cars go north on a crack-filled section of North Central Avenue in Marshfield, June 24, 2015, between Harrison and Grant streets.(Photo: Dan Young/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin)

MARSHFIELD – Construction season will soon get underway with the much-anticipated reconstruction of North Central Avenue. The project was postponed a year after construction bids came in higher than anticipated, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation said in 2018.

Work on the $2.1 million project will begin Wednesday and is scheduled to last through August. However, the construction schedule is weather-dependent. The Wisconsin DOT is heading the reconstruction of the road, which is a portion of State 97.

The city has been performing sewer and water rehabilitation work along the road in preparation for the DOT's project. The city's portion of the project costs about $75,000 and also includes paving parking lanes along North Central Avenue and connecting traffic signals at the intersections.

Here's what you should know before the roadwork begins.

Construction will improve potholes and safety.

Work will be focused on the stretch of road between Arnold and Harrison streets. It will include removal of the asphalt surface and placement of new asphalt over the existing concrete; widening the Doege Street intersection to accommodate left turn lanes in both the north and south directions; and replacing traffic signals at Arnold and Doege streets.

The pavement on North Central Avenue is deteriorating and is littered with cracks and potholes that make rides bumpy for drivers. The DOT reported that 99 crashes occurred between Arnold and Harrison streets from 2009 to 2013, with 45 of those at the Doege Street intersection.

The road will remain open, but drive carefully.

From Veterans Parkway to Harrison Street, North Central Avenue will be reduced to one lane of traffic in both directions. The DOT said that drivers can expect lane closures, traffic shifts, crossovers and temporary traffic signals.

Crews will first start work on the exterior lanes on each side of the road, meaning the interior lanes will be open for drivers. Then they will begin work on the interior lanes, opening the outside lanes to drivers.

Construction Project Engineer Tim Schoenherr advises drivers to be extra cautious while driving through the construction zone because it will be a tight, busy area.

You'll still be able to visit your favorite businesses.

Customers will still be able to get to their favorite stores and restaurants in the path of construction — including Dairy Queen, Family Video and Total Body Fitness. The DOT said driveways to businesses and schools along the road will be maintained during construction.

On-street parking will be available, but limited.

Once construction starts, on-street parking on North Central Avenue will be available from Arnold to Edison streets, according to the DOT. However, there will be no on-street parking from Edison to Harrison streets.